The Internship Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, the opportunity to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school. You will have the opportunity to work with a team of professionals. Together to conserve, restore, and protect some of the nation's premier fish and wildlife habitat, and/or provide support contributing to the goals of managing the refuge's resources.
Summary
The Internship Program is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, the opportunity to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school. You will have the opportunity to work with a team of professionals. Together to conserve, restore, and protect some of the nation's premier fish and wildlife habitat, and/or provide support contributing to the goals of managing the refuge's resources.
This position is with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Region 3, Division of Refuges, located in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area in Minnesota. The role of the regional office is to provide support to the employees and offices/field stations within Region 3, which includes Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. This position is with the Midwest region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and involves working with private landowners and partners to accomplish habitat restoration projects throughout a regional landscape.
As a Biological Sciences Student Trainee, your duties will include, but are not limited to the following: The incumbent participates in varied duties related to private land activities. Duties may include: Reviewing sites on private property for potential wetland restoration activity or native prairie restoration activity.
Recommending seeding mixtures and techniques for native prairie restoration and/or brush land management.
Assistance with invasive species removal projects, recording and submitting accomplishment data on the process of technical assistance and habitat restoration activities.
Incumbent may represent the Service in discussion with private landowners and agencies involved with Farm Bill programs that are less complex and non-controversial nature.
Assists the Project Leader with developing priority areas to conduct restoration activities that center on endangered species of wildlife, migratory birds, certain finfish, and other Federal Trust Resources, such as lands in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Suitability for employment, as determined by background investigation
A valid State driver's license is required.
Must meet Pathways Program Intern eligibility requirements
Selectee will be required to sign a Pathways Agreement.
Must designate a financial institution for direct deposit of pay prior to appointment
Selectee may required to obtain a watercraft/boat operators license within 90 days of being hired.
Wearing of official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uniform may be required depending on location selected.
Qualifications
Only experience and education obtained by 11/24/2020 will be considered.
Pathways Student Intern:
The Department of the Interior Internship Program (Pathways) is designed to provide students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions, from high school to graduate level, with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school. This is a full-time position and student can work part-time (16-32 hours per week) during the school year with permission from the supervisor.
Education: Minimum Qualifications at the GS-04grade level:
Completion of 2 full academic years of post-high school study or an associate's degree (as determined by the educational institution attending). OR
Possess 6 months general experience and 6 months specialized experience. General experience is defined as (1) any type of work that demonstrates the applicant's ability to perform the work of the position, or (2) experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the occupation. Specialized experience is defined as experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: collecting and assembling biological data, assisting in performing biological studies, assisting in conducting wildlife surveys, providing scientific or outdoor recreation information to the general public and assisting with construction/maintenance on habitat restoration projects; OR
An equivalent combination of successfully completed post-high school education and experience. To determine qualification based on a combination of education and experience, determine total qualifying experience as a percentage of the above requirement; then determine education as a percentage of the above requirement. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant at the GS-4 grade level.
Minimum Qualifications at the GS-05grade level:
Completed four 4 academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree (as determined by the educational institution attending).leading to a Bachelor's or equivalent degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR
One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-04 level or higher in the Federal service, performing duties such as gathering and assisting with scientific data analysis; recording scientific data; preparing reports; assisting on conservation research projects, and assisting with development of fact sheets, information papers, and/or web content. OR
A combination of specialized experience and education as described above that, when combined, equals 100% of the total requirement.
Special Provisions for Interns with Previous Related Education or Experience: Previous education and/or experience may be evaluated to determine the highest grade level for which the individual is qualified.
Applicants meet the following eligibility requirement, and provide documentation such as a copy of your official transcript and/or veteran's documentation by the closing date of the announcement to be considered.
Current students must be enrolled in a accredited high school, college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate.https://www.ed.gov/accreditation?src=rn
Education
PROOF OF EDUCATION: All applicants who are using education or a combination of education and experience to qualify must submit copies of your official or unofficial transcripts which include grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, institution name, and student name. If any required coursework is not easily recognizable on transcripts, or if you believe a portion of a particular course can be credited toward meeting an educational requirement, you must also provide a memorandum on letterhead from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official stating the percentage of the course that should be considered to meet the requirement and the equivalent number of units. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; however, if you are selected for the position, you will be required to produce the original official transcripts.
Requirements for Internship Appointments
Appointments may be at the highest grade level for which the Intern is qualified.
GS-4: Completion of 2 full academic years of post-high school study or an associate's degree.
GS-5: Completion of 4 academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree.
These position may or may not be eligible for conversion. If the position is eligible for conversion, upon successful completion of the Pathways Program, a student performing work in anyone of the following areas, will have to meet the individual occupational requirements( IOR) for that particular series. Interns may be non-competitively converted to a term, career-conditional or career appointment within 120 days following successful completion of all of their educational and work experience requirements in accordance with 5 CFR 362.204.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Additional information
These are development positions. The applicant should expect the work being performed outside and some of the work will be physically challenging field work in natural resource setting.
WORK SCHEDULE:The position requires the selectee to work a full-time work schedule if they are not attending school. The student may be able to working part-time during the school year, if funding is available, approval from the unit supervisor and school schedule/course load.
DRIVER'S LICENSE: You must possess and maintain a valid State driver's license at all times.
FWS has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval.
More than one position may be filled from this announcement.
Transfer of Station, PCS move is not authorized.
Government Housing may be available.
Conversion is based on you successfully completing the requirement of the internship.
If converted, you will be placed in a career individual development plan (IDP).
Program Requirements: Interns may or may not be non-competitively converted. If the agency determine the position is eligible for conversion and incumbent meets all the requirement of the Pathways Program. Conversion may be into a term or permanent position in the competitive service after the successful completion of the internship program. To be eligible for conversion, the Intern must meet the following:
Must be a U.S. Citizen at the time of non-competitive conversion to a term or permanent position.
Complete at least 640 hours of work experience acquired through the Internship program prior to graduation.
In a degree or certificate seeking program from a qualifying educational institution.
Receive a favorable recommendation by supervisor.
Meet the OPM Qualification Standards for the position.
Conversion is not guaranteed and will be based on the needs of the agency.
Meet any agency specific requirements as outlined in the Participant Agreement. Perform the job successfully
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Please follow all instructions carefully.
Once the announcement has closed, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted to determine if you meet basic qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please attach all required documents. A qualification determination will be made based on the information you provide and attach to the vacancy and responses made to the assessment questions. If we find, after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience which resulted in you being listed in the highest quality category, you may lose consideration, or be assigned to a lower quality category for this position. .
GS-4: Completion of 2 full academic years of post-high school study or an associate's degree.
GS-5: Completion of 4 academic years of post-high school leading to a bachelor's degree or equivalent degree.
If you are a Veteran claiming Veteran Preference, you must submit a Certificate of Release OR Discharge of Active Duty (DD214), condition of discharge . If claiming Veteran Preference, 10-point or 5-point preference you must provide proof of entitlement or list preference on a SF15 application. A letter from the Veterans' Administration (VA) OR VA Determination letter OR SF-15 application.
Unranked list: Applicants who meet basic eligibility criteria are listed by veterans' preference category: 10 percent or more compensable disabled veterans, 10-point preference eligible veterans, 5-point preference eligible veterans and non-preference eligible veterans. Agencies must consider the candidates in the highest preference group first. Agencies cannot select non-preference eligible veterans until the preference eligible veterans are exhausted or the agency has gone through the proper pass over procedures with respect to the remaining preference eligible veterans
§ 302.302 Examination of applicants.
(a)Eligibility. An evaluation of the qualifications of applicants for positions covered by this part may be conducted at any time before an appointment is made. The evaluation may involve only determination of eligibility or ineligibility or may include qualitative rating of candidates. If the evaluation involves only basic eligibility numerical scores will not be assigned and eligible candidates will be referred in accordance with the procedures described in paragraph (b)(5) of § 302.304.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume or Application. At a minimum will include personal information, name, address, contact information, employment history, starting with most current job. Job information will include, job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
Cover Letter, optional
Official or unofficial College Transcript(s), if the position has education requirements, or if you are using your education to qualify. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A copy of your official transcripts will be required if you are selected. If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 mush show condition of discharge and character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
If applicable, documentation/proof that you are eligible Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Review the Appointment Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the appointment eligibilities that you select. You must provide proof of your eligibility as required by appointment eligibility to be considered.
Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month/day/year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume.
You must also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
DEADLINE DATE: A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/24/2020 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is received. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
You will be considered for all eligibilities for which you select "yes" and submit the required documents and supporting documentation (e.g. DD 214, Schedule A letter, etc.). The supporting documentation you submit will be used to determine your eligibility. Please review the list of documentation provided in the eligibilities language to ensure you provide the appropriate information.
Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated "yes" in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibilities in this section.
This Pathways intern position may be converted to a term, career, or career conditional position, upon successful completion of the program. Conversion is neither mandatory nor guaranteed and would need to occur within 120-calendar days of successful completion of degree requirements.
Applicants that will not meet the minimum requirements (listed below) will be ineligible for conversion.
To be eligible for possible conversion to a term or career conditional position, the intern MUST:
Ability to complete at least 640 hours of work experience acquired through the Internship Program prior to completing degree requirements.
Successfully complete their degree or certificate program requirements.
Meet the qualification standards for the position to which the Intern will be converted into to include minimum education requirements.
Meet agency-specific requirements outlined on their Pathways Participant's Agreement.
Performance must be fully successful or above. .
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Supervisor will recommend you for conversion.
Note: This position may or may not be converted into a permanent position and will depend on agency needs and position availability. This position may be converted to a term or career conditional position. Pathways participants who successfully complete their degree program may be placed into an position that they meet the occupational requirements for at the time of gradation, position grade level and occupational series will be determined at that time. If this position is eligible for conversion, the anticipated position for conversion would be into one of the following occupations. A (Natural Resource Specialist, GS 0401 OR Wildlife Refuge Management, GS 0485 OR Wildlife Biologist, GS 0486GS-4/5). The anticipated position may change based on the needs of the organization. Interns must qualify and meet the individual occupational requirements for the position. .
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Division of Human Resources
Division of Human Resources
5600 American Blvd, West Suite 990
Bloomington, MN 55437
US
Next steps
Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.
You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJobs Account.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
Resume or Application. At a minimum will include personal information, name, address, contact information, employment history, starting with most current job. Job information will include, job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
Cover Letter, optional
Official or unofficial College Transcript(s), if the position has education requirements, or if you are using your education to qualify. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. A copy of your official transcripts will be required if you are selected. If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 mush show condition of discharge and character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
If applicable, documentation/proof that you are eligible Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Review the Appointment Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility section of the application process is designed to allow you to choose how you wish to be considered for this vacancy announcement. You will ONLY be considered for the appointment eligibilities that you select. You must provide proof of your eligibility as required by appointment eligibility to be considered.
Resume or Application. At a minimum, your resume MUST contain job title (include job series and grade, if federal), duties, starting and ending dates (month/day/year), hours worked per week, and salary. USAJOBS has a template to ensure a complete resume.
You must also complete the online application and assessment questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
DEADLINE DATE: A complete application package must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/24/2020 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is received. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
You will be considered for all eligibilities for which you select "yes" and submit the required documents and supporting documentation (e.g. DD 214, Schedule A letter, etc.). The supporting documentation you submit will be used to determine your eligibility. Please review the list of documentation provided in the eligibilities language to ensure you provide the appropriate information.
Please note, your eligibility will be based solely on the selections you have indicated "yes" in this section. You must provide the supporting documentation to support your claim to be considered. You may choose more than one eligibilities in this section.
This Pathways intern position may be converted to a term, career, or career conditional position, upon successful completion of the program. Conversion is neither mandatory nor guaranteed and would need to occur within 120-calendar days of successful completion of degree requirements.
Applicants that will not meet the minimum requirements (listed below) will be ineligible for conversion.
To be eligible for possible conversion to a term or career conditional position, the intern MUST:
Ability to complete at least 640 hours of work experience acquired through the Internship Program prior to completing degree requirements.
Successfully complete their degree or certificate program requirements.
Meet the qualification standards for the position to which the Intern will be converted into to include minimum education requirements.
Meet agency-specific requirements outlined on their Pathways Participant's Agreement.
Performance must be fully successful or above. .
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Supervisor will recommend you for conversion.
Note: This position may or may not be converted into a permanent position and will depend on agency needs and position availability. This position may be converted to a term or career conditional position. Pathways participants who successfully complete their degree program may be placed into an position that they meet the occupational requirements for at the time of gradation, position grade level and occupational series will be determined at that time. If this position is eligible for conversion, the anticipated position for conversion would be into one of the following occupations. A (Natural Resource Specialist, GS 0401 OR Wildlife Refuge Management, GS 0485 OR Wildlife Biologist, GS 0486GS-4/5). The anticipated position may change based on the needs of the organization. Interns must qualify and meet the individual occupational requirements for the position. .
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Division of Human Resources
Division of Human Resources
5600 American Blvd, West Suite 990
Bloomington, MN 55437
US
Next steps
Once you submit all the required documents and the online application in USAJOBS, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. After the evaluation process is complete, you will be notified of your status and/or referral to the hiring official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.
You will be notified if this job is filled or canceled. Timelines for this process vary widely.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to your USAJobs Account.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
